“The UN-REDD Programme is the United Nations Collaborative Initiative on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD). It builds on the convening role and technical expertise of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Programme supports developing countries prepare and implement national REDD+ strategies.”

The “UN-REDD PLUS – Supporting Initial Readiness Process” is a project funded under the UN-REDD Programme whose objective is to increase the capacity of key stakeholders, manages and support groups in forestland, protected areas and ancestral domains to implement REDD+ projects and activities.

The project aims to come up with the following outcomes and outputs: 1) REDD+ Readiness support by effective, inclusive and participatory management process 2) Systematic and structural approach of REDD+ readiness identified through concrete studies of options and inclusive consultation 3) Capacity to establish reference baselines increased.

The Forest Management Bureau (FMB) and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and its partners, CoDE REDD civil society organizations, academe and research institutions will jointly implement the project from January 2011 to December 2011.

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—Storms carrying winds of at least 300 kph, like Supertyphoon “Yolanda,” are likely to be “the norm for the Philippines” as a result of climate change, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said, echoing findings made by a panel of climate experts submitted to the United Nations.

MANILA - Some leaders of nongovernmental organizations in the Philippines advancing environmental causes find the government's climate change mitigation and adaption programs wanting even after the country suffered massive devastation from the wrath of super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) five months ago.